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Aug 15, 2019 at 3:13 PM

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) is making up to $200,000 available for home retention services and legal estate planning services aimed at homeownership asset preservation in communities experiencing displacement.

As part of PHB’s N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy, this pilot responds to a stated community need for services that address challenges related to intergenerational property transfers and complicated real estate titles that affect the ability of low-to-moderate-income homeowners in North and Northeast Portland to remain in their homes and pass on assets to future generations. Through this pilot, PHB seeks to fill gaps in these services identified through community outreach and engagement.

This is one-time funding for a pilot program from November 2019 – June 2021 (further program funding will be based on an evaluation of the pilot). To learn more about this opportunity,please read the full RFPhere.

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Jul 30, 2019 at 11:11 AM

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) has revised the Inclusionary Housing Program (IH) administrative rules to incorporate technical changes. These changes provide additional clarity to the public and City staff regarding the IH Program. Technical changes include an expansion of the definitions section, update of the compliance sections, and reconciliation of terms to reflect those used in the zoning code. The amended administrative rules can be found online here.

PHB’s administrative rulemaking requires a minimum 60-day public process with public notification of the proposed changes and a public hearing to accept testimony. PHB conducted approximately a 3-month public process with opportunities for the public to provide written comments or testify at a community meeting and a dedicated public hearing.

Throughout the process, staff sought out the engagement of industry professionals to review and dialogue on the proposed changes. Participants included development industry representatives from the for-profit and non-profit sectors. All comments received through public testimony were analyzed by staff against policy and program goals and outcomes.

The Housing Bureau would like to thank everyone who participated in the public outreach process. If you have questions regarding the IH administrative rule changes or the IH administrative rulemaking process, please contact the IH Rules Coordinator: Jessica Conner at jessica.conner@portlandoregon.gov or by calling 503-823-4100.

Jun 20, 2019 at 1:35 PM

Do you have questions about how Portland’s new landlord/tenant laws apply to you?

Are you a recently (or soon-to-be) displaced renter wondering if you are eligible for Relocation Assistance? Are you a landlord wondering if you’re exempt from paying Relocation Assistance?

The Portland Housing Bureau’s Rental Services Office (RSO) was created as a resource for renters and landlords of residential properties to receive technical assistance and information about Mandatory Relocation Assistance, Portland Renter Additional Protection (PCC 30.01.085), and related topics such as new state-wide limits on rent increases and just-cause requirements for terminating rental agreements.

Starting in July, a new RSO Traveling Helpdesk will be visiting libraries across the county on Saturdays throughout the summer to assist people in the neighborhoods where they live and work with their questions on landlord/tenant laws.

While RSO staff cannot provide legal or business advice, and are not part of the law-making process, they can help community members find information and resources for a variety of subjects relating to rental housing. For more information or to speak to RSO staff, call the help line at 503-823-1303.

May 28, 2019 at 9:59 AM

The Rental Services Office is pleased to announce expanded summer helpline hours beginning June 3, including evening and weekend hours. The helpline is available to provide information, resources, and referrals to the public, plus technical assistance on mandatory relocation. For more information, visit us online at www.portlandoregon.gov/phb/rso.

Apr 30, 2019 at 12:18 PM

The solicitation is the first to make Bond funds available to private entities.

April 30, 2019 – The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) has announced a $77 million funding opportunity for new construction projects, property acquisitions, and the rehabilitation of existing buildings for affordable housing — including $70 million from Portland’s Housing Bond. The Bond Opportunity Solicitation (BOS) marks the first time private and non-profit developers will be able to submit proposals for Bond funding following a constitutional amendment passed last November giving municipalities greater flexibility in the use of general obligation bond funds, including the ability to lend bond funds to private entities, and the ability to leverage outside funding sources in Bond projects.

“We’re acting swiftly on this new opportunity from voters to leverage our public-private partnerships and outside sources of funding to make our bond dollars go further,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “With the help of our community partners, we expect to meet and exceed the goals of Portland’s Housing Bond.”

In addition to capital funding for construction, the solicitation includes two development sites owned by PHB, and one PHB building for rehabilitation. In total, the solicitation is expected to produce up to 600 affordable housing units.

At least one-third of units produced through the BOS will serve very-low income households, below 30% of Area Median Income (less than $22,000 a year for a family of three). In addition, projects will be expected to provide a minimum number of Supportive Housing units — including two buildings entirely dedicated to Supportive Housing. The Supportive Housing units will be supported by a rent subsidy through Home Forward, who is offering 188 Project-Based Section 8 vouchers to ensure long-term rental assistance and support.

Additionally, up to $10,000 per unit will be available annually in funding for Supportive Housing services through the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

“Portland’s Housing Bond creates housing for Portlanders who aren’t served in the current market — from chronically homeless individuals who need housing with wrap-around services to families with children who need safe, stable and affordable homes,” said Portland Housing Bureau Director Shannon Callahan. “With this opportunity, we can work together with our community partners to create safe, high-quality homes for Portlanders struggling to afford a place to live.”

Six projects have been identified under Portland’s Housing Bond to date, totaling more than 660 units either open or in progress throughout the city.

Proposals are due by June 28 with awards expected in September 2019. A mandatory developer information session for interested proposers will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at New Song Community Church. For more information or to download the solicitation, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/phb/BOS2019